Adventure Travel

Across The Southwest

           
Explore the grand scenery of the Southwest...
This is an adventurous twelve-day trip that gives travelers enough time to experience and participate in some of the best sights and activities that the Southwest region of the U.S. has to offer. The tour begins in Las Vegas, NV, where you will be met by your AAW guide and have the opportunity to take in the bright lights and fast pace of Las Vegas. Your next stop will be the glorious Grand Canyon. You will experience its vast grandeur first on a gripping helicopter ride, and then witness the stunning scenery up close on a mule ride. You’ll have the chance to strap on gear and canyoneer through the mountains of Zion National Park, as well as hike amongst the colorful rock formations of Bryce National Park. In Durango, CO, you will enjoy a thrilling day of ripping through whitewater rapids on the Animas River. You will then have a chance to step back in time, traveling on a steam-powered train from Durango to Silverton, CO. After seeing some of the most beautiful natural sights in the Southwest, your journey will end in the Mile High City of Denver.

Trip Highlights

Enjoy a welcome orientation dinner with delicious food, exuberant laughter and time to reflect on what your family is about to experience.

Take a gripping helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, offering stunning scenery and memories to last a lifetime.

Explore beautiful national parks on exciting mule rides, canyoneer adventures and hiking explorations.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip down the Animas River with thrilling rapids and the amazing landscape of Colorado.

Step back in time on the steam-powered Durango Silverton Railroad.

Travel in luxury and stress-free with a private driver, who will also serve as your knowledgeable local AAW guide, teaching you about the incredible sights and scenery of the Southwest.

Day By Day Details


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Day 1: Las Vegas - Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival in Las Vegas, NV, you will be met by your AAW guide and transferred in a luxury SUV to your accommodations. The afternoon is free to settle in, relax and explore the surrounding area. Your AAW guide will provide a welcome dinner and orientation later in the evening. After a delicious meal and the opportunity to get to know your guide, you will have the evening free to take in the bright lights of Las Vegas. (D) Accommodations at Ceasers Palace.

Day 2: Las Vegas - Explore Las Vegas
Las Vegas is full of things to do and see, and today is yours to explore - shopping, casinos, shows, and more! Your AAW guide is available at your convenience for any transportation and activity guidance. Then, you will have one more night to enjoy life on the strip before heading to one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. (B) Accommodations at Ceasers Palace.

Day 3: Las Vegas - Helicopter Ride over the Grand Canyon
In the morning, you will enjoy the convenience and luxury of your private SUV as your AAW guide drives your group across the desert to the glorious Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, you will board a helicopter for an exciting ride that offers magnificent views of the sheer vastness of this natural wonder. The stunning views and heights are sure to leave you breathless, and you will remember your experience at the Grand Canyon for the rest of your life. The night will be spent amidst ponderosa pines in Grand Canyon National Park. (B) Accommodations at Maswik Lodge.

Day 4: Grand Canyon - Mule Ride through the Grand Canyon
Today will be an early morning, so that you can enjoy a full day adventure exploring the Grand Canyon by a once-in-a-lifetime method – a sure footed mule! By traveling on the back of one of the renowned Grand Canyon mules, you will be able to get up close to the Canyon’s spectacular scenery in a way that many tourists never do. You will be guided through the canyon, learning about its history, flora and fauna and taking in all of the incredible sights that surrounds you. The night will be spent in Grand Canyon National Park. (B) Accommodations at Maswik Lodge.

Day 5: Grand Canyon to Zion - Scenic Desert Drive to Zion National Park
In the morning, you will take in the stark beauty of the desert on your drive to Zion National Park. Also known as the “Red Yosemite,” Zion is comprised of 229 square miles of incredible red and tan Navajo sandstone formations. In addition to its awe-inspiring sandstone buttresses, towers, and canyons, Zion is also known for the diversity of its flora and fauna; within the park itself, there are four different life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest, which allow many different types of wildlife to make their home there. There are even 19 different species of bats alone! Your AAW guide will take you on guided hikes throughout Zion National Park.The night will be spent in Zion National Park. (B) Accommodations at Majestic View Lodge.

Day 6: Zion National Park - Canyoneering in Zion’s Slot Canyons
Today, you will experience the ultimate way to explore the beauty and mysteries of Zion National Park - a morning canyoneering course. You’ll learn basic rappelling techniques, knots, anchors, and other vital canyoneering skills. Canyoneering is the best (and sometimes only) way to explore some of the most isolated and beautiful canyons of this legendary park. The night will be spent in Zion National Park. (B,L) Accommodations at Majestic View Lodge.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon - Hike in Bryce National Park
Upon waking to the peacefulness and serenity of the desert landscape, you will take a short drive to Bryce National Park. This incredible park is famous for its thousands of pinkish spires (hoodoos) rising into the sky, which were formed by millions of years of wind, water, and ice erosion. The day will be spent hiking amongst these unique formations and taking in the desert splendor with your AAW guide. The night will be spent in Bryce National Park. (B) Accommodations at Bryce Canyon Lodge.

Day 8: Bryce Canyon to Durango - Explore Historic Durango
You will continue to venture east today across the great open spaces of the Southwest, arriving in Durango, CO. This beautiful railroad and mining city is nestled in the Animas River valley and is surrounded on all sides by the San Juan Mountains. You will have a relaxing evening free to explore its historic downtown. The night will be spent in Durango. (B) Accommodations at Strater Hotel.

Day 9: Durango - Whitewater Rafting on the Animas River
An adventurous whitewater rafting trip on the Animas River awaits you today. The river’s official name is the Rio de las Animas Perdidas, or the River of Lost Souls. Here, you will enjoy an exciting day of wild rapids and stunning scenery. The evening is free for you to relax or maybe take in an old western stage show and dinner.  The night will be spent in Durango. (B) Accommodations at Strater Hotel.

Day 10: Durango - Travel by Steam-Powered Train
In the morning, you will step back in time and board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Departing from Durango, you will ride first class on an authentic coal fired, steam-powered train that has been in continuous operation for the past 126 years. On your journey, you will climb 3,000 feet, winding past mining relics and other historic sights through 45 miles of mountains and the San Juan National Forest wilderness. In the late morning, you will arrive in the historic mining town of Silverton and have the afternoon free to explore the quaint downtown and eat lunch. You will then board the train for the return trip to Durango, where you will spend the night. (B)  Accommodations at Strater Hotel.

Day 11: Durango to Denver - Drive to the Mile-High City
Today, your AAW guide will drive you in your comfortable SUV to Denver, CO. Arriving in the late afternoon, you will have the evening to either explore the city or just relax in your hotel. Tonight, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with everyone to reminisce about the amazing past 10 days. The night will be spent in Denver. (B, D) Accommodations at Castle Marne B and B.

Day 12: Denver - Return Flight Home
Depending on your departure flight time, your AAW guide will transfer you to the Denver International Airport for your flight home. (B)

What We Include

Accommodations: 2 nights in Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace, 2 nights in the Grand Canyon at teh El Tovar, 2 nights in Zion at Majestic View Lodge, 1 night in Bryce Bryce Canyon Lodge, 3 nights in Durango at Strater Hotel, 1 night in Denver at Castle Marne B & B.

Transportation: Full-size private luxury SUV or private vehicle with private driver, drinks and snacks included.

Meals: Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as listed on itinerary.

Included Activities: Welcome Orientation Dinner, Helicopter Flight in Grand Canyon, Mule Ride through Grand Canyon, Canyoneer in Zion Park, Hike in Bryce Park, Full Day Whitewater Trip, Durango Silverton Railroad, Farewell Dinner, All Park Entrance Fees.

Optional Activities: In each of our destinations, there are a variety of additional adventure activities and cultural experiences available to you. AAW can help you select and book any additional activities prior to or during your trip.

Private AAW Guide/Driver: Your trip will be led by a private AAW guide/driver, allowing you to travel in luxury and without stress. Your local guide/driver will be highly knowledgeable about your destination’s sights, activities, and customs, and will handle all aspects of your trip. For more information about AAW private guide/driver services, please click here.

NOT INCLUDED
• Destination airfare, baggage charges, and any airport arrival and departure taxes
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Cost increases due to pre-departure fluctuations in exchange rates, government fees, accommodation tariffs, or taxes
• Personal expenses, including alcohol and on-your-own-meals
• Travel insurance

Making A Reservation
If this sounds like the perfect adventure vacation for you, just contact your travel agent or Adventures Around the World directly to make a reservation.  A 25% deposit is due immediately, with the balance due 60 days before departing on your adventure.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as checks payable to Adventures Around the World. Please review the AAW Terms and Conditions before payment, as you are bound by our Terms, Conditions, Payment and Cancellation policies once we receive your deposit.

Customize This Trip
Does this trip sound amazing but you’d like to make some changes? No problem! AAW specializes in creating customized trips and will be happy to accommodate you in every way. We can help you select additional activities and destinations within your budget to personalize your trip and create the adventure of a lifetime. Whatever your needs are - AAW can help make your dream adventure vacation a reality!

What’s Next?
Once we have received your trip deposit, one of our adventure travel professionals will provide you with pre-departure trip information and packing lists, as well as a guest information questionnaire and liability release form to be returned within 10 days. After that, we will handle all of the details as you relax and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!



Important Policies

  • Your deposit of 25% of the total cost of your vacation is due immedetely upon booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
  • The price shown is per person NET, and does not include international air fare to/from the trip start point.
  • Prices are based on current rates of exchange, government fees, tarrifs and taxes. Any increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.
  • Cancellation - Cancellations 60 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a 5% cancellation fee. 60-30 days will be subject to loss of 50% of trip cost. 30-15 days will be subject to loss of 75% of trip cost. 15 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions set out by Adventures Around the World.